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Historical tree faces the axe after four-year row

Philip George Philip George wearing a black coat and glasses in front of the large oak tree. He is stood next to his wife who has grey hair and is smiling while wearing a blue coat and scarf.Philip George
Philip and Lorraine George have been among the campaigners trying to save the Old King George oak tree

A "beautiful" 120-year-old oak tree is to be chopped down after a four-year row between a council and insurers.

Campaigners have been left angered by the decision affecting the Old King George oak in Wivenhoe High Street, Essex.

It followed residents in nearby Clifton Terrace claiming the tree's roots were damaging their homes.

Wivenhoe Town Council said the saga had been "deeply disturbing" but it was compelled to swing the axe.

Councillors have not confirmed when the felling would take place, fearing attempts to thwart it would endanger public safety.

However, campaigners told the BBC they believed works were planned during a car park closure at the site between 13 and 15 January.

Lorraine George The oak tree pictured on a grey winter day. It has lots of branches, none of which have leaves on.Lorraine George
A petition to save the tree has attracted more than 1,200 signatures

Duncan Boon, who has lived in Wivenhoe for 26 years, said he would be "disgusted" if the removal took place.

"It's always been a beautiful tree, it's been admired and it doesn't deserve the treatment it's getting," the 58-year-old said.

"It's been there a lot longer than the houses, a lot longer than the car park and it doesn't deserve this."

A petition to save the tree was signed by more than 1,200 people within 48 hours of it going live.

Mr Boon added: "It shows how much the tree is loved and an alternative could be easily made to having it cut down."

Google The tree pictured in summer, covered in green leaves. It is taller than adjacent houses and a small building next to it, which has blue doors. There is a van parked beneath the tree.Google
The oak is to be felled after four years of negotiations proved futile

Fellow campaigner Philip George warned the decision would also impact wildlife including birds and squirrels.

He believed gravel soil could be the cause for the subsidence and called for a thorough investigation before any felling.

"It should not be taken down until it is very clear and there is evidence the tree is the cause of the damage," Mr George added.

'Deep regret'

However, the town council pointed to three previous reports concluding the oak was responsible for the damage.

Any delay in the tree's removal would leave the council "facing a financial liability at a level way beyond" its cash reserves, the authority said in a statement.

The council added it was with "deep regret" that after four years of negotiations with the insurer, it had to admit defeat.

"This whole episode has been deeply disturbing for the council, its staff and for a number of residents who have felt very strongly about the future of the oak," it said.

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